## Forget it or treat it? Painful twitching in the lower leg affects the calf muscles as well as the soleus muscles and sometimes the muscles of the foot. Cramps are typically a temporary occurrence and do not require medical intervention. However, leg cramps that occur regularly should be taken seriously. ## What are the most common causes of cramps? - Often, the muscle has been under pressure for a long time and cannot relax. Massage and changing the nature of physical activity can help. - Leg cramps are sometimes caused by vascular diseases of the lower extremities, arteries, or veins. In this case, cramping will be accompanied by other symptoms including swelling and redness in the legs. - Recurrent cramping can also be a sign of potassium, [calcium](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=127), [iron](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=140), or [magnesium](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=27) deficiency. Pregnant women and the elderly are most at risk for this. - Spring cramps are a frequent occurrence due to hypovitaminosis. [Vitamin A](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=85), [E](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=66), [B6](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=213), and [D](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=187) levels should be checked. - Recurrent cramps combined with other neurological symptoms may be a signal of a spinal cord lesion, such as [multiple sclerosis](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=191). - Calf twitching occurs in restless leg syndrome, which is a common effect of COVID-19. - Cramps can also occur when swimming in cold water. When this happens, get out of the water as soon as possible. If cramps occur regularly, schedule an appointment with your general practitioner. He or she may recommend you to see a specialist to find out the root cause of the cramping.